Ralph Shapiro '53, J.D. '58

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Ralph Shapiro ’53, J.D. ’58, philanthropist and UCLA Medal recipient, has passed away. In a message to volunteer leaders that was shared with UCLA staff, Rhea Turteltaub, vice chancellor, UCLA External Affairs, and Laura Lavado Parker, associate vice chancellor, UCLA Development, expressed their appreciation and affection for this transformative figure in UCLA history.

We are sorry to be bringing you the sad news that the UCLA community has lost a dear friend — Ralph Shapiro has passed away.

A double graduate of our university, Ralph exemplified so many of the True Bruin Values we aim to instill — service foremost among them. His generosity, leadership and commitment to his alma mater were simply unparalleled.

Along with his wife Shirley, whom he met while the two were studying at UCLA in 1956, Ralph played a truly vital role in the life of our campus for six decades. Together, they have given more than 1,600 gifts to over 100 departments, endowed more than 20 chairs and provided scholarship support to more than 700 students. They also served on more than 30 boards and committees, with Ralph taking on volunteer leadership positions at the UCLA School of Law and The UCLA Foundation, as well as with Campaign UCLA and the Centennial Campaign. Ralph was among our most esteemed alumni, and was awarded the Alumni of the Year Award for Public and Community Service in 2008 [by the UCLA School of Law] and, with Shirley, the UCLA Medal in 2019.

All those who knew Ralph will attest that numbers and accolades like these can only hint at the breadth of his contribution to our university. He advised and befriended countless academic leaders and faculty members, and was always championing UCLA to others — many of whom followed his example of philanthropic engagement. We expect to share more in the coming days about his immense impact and incomparable legacy, but wanted to act quickly to inform this close group who knew Ralph and loved him. We all feel this loss deeply but take comfort in knowing Ralph’s legacy will endure for generations.

Shapiro and his wife, Shirley ’59, received the 2009 University Service Award from Alumni Affairs.